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Birth Injury Lawyer | Cerebral Palsy Caused by Medical Negligence

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What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Simply put, brain damage causes cerebral palsy . The brain damage can occur before, during or after birth. Most cases of brain damage causing cerebral palsy occur before a baby is born.

Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of disorders characterized by a disruption of motor control . When areas of the brain responsible for movement, balance and muscular control either develop incorrectly or are damaged, the result can be cerebral palsy. The part of the brain damaged determines the symptoms of cerebral palsy. The severity of the symptoms depends on the severity of the brain damage. Sometimes brain damage occurs early in the pregnancy as a result of problems with blood supply to the fetus' brain. Sometimes damage occurs later in pregnancy after the brain has already formed, as the child is delivered or in the first years of life. How brain damage occurs is not always known. Doctors have identified several risk factors for cerebral palsy . Expectant mothers should avoid these risk factors to lower the possibility of having a child with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy can be the result of natural causes or birth trauma. In either case, the baby's brain is starved of oxygen. This results in a specific type of damage to the brain. It is permanent and involves control of the muscles, and can also include some other effects. Cerebral palsy can be difficult to recognize in infants. The symptoms are very physical, and since an infant isn't immediately taxing their muscles, it sometimes takes a while before it's obvious that there's a problem. Cerebral palsy can affect all of the muscles, from the face to the feet.

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is the type that affects the entire body. In total, around 20 percent of people who suffer from cerebral palsy have this type. It affects the way the muscles tense and relax, and can result in problems opening and closing the hands, moving the arms and even cause problems controlling the muscles in the face. This type of cerebral palsy can make a lot of healthcare necessary, which may be required from birth throughout the rest of the sufferer's life.

Ataxic cerebral palsy causes adverse effects in around 10 percent of cp sufferers.. In this incarnation, the symptoms are most visible in the sufferer's walk. Ataxic cerebral palsy causes a lot of difficulty with walking and balance. Either of these types of cerebral palsy can be caused by baby brain damage. In some cases, sufferer's may have multiple types of cerebral palsy, making the symptoms and the treatment required even more pronounced. No type of cerebral palsy is curable. Brain damage is permanent. Unlike as is the case with most other areas of the body, the brain cannot recover from most types of damage. This means that you and your child will inevitably be faced with the costs of treatment for this disorder.

When a healthcare provider takes you on as a patient, they have a duty to see to your well being to the best of their abilities. When they breech this duty, you have legal recourse available to you. A good attorney with experience dealing with cerebral palsy in infants may be your best option. You may have a case that could result in your receiving financial compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as for any monetary damages you claim. The sooner you get started, the better for your case.

Risk Factors for Cerebral Palsy

German Measles - Doctors in the 1950's discovered contracting the German measles while pregnant could result in having a child with cerebral palsy. After an initial outbreak of the disease resulted in over 20,000 cerebral palsy births, doctors began inoculating expectant mothers. The result was an immediate decline in cerebral palsy births. German measles, or rubella, is a virus. After infecting the mother, the viral infection travels to the uterus and infects the fetus. The virus damages the fetus' developing central nervous system. Other viral infections like toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus can cause the same problems.

Rh Disease - Rh disease is a condition caused by the baby and mother having incompatible blood cells. The mother's body senses a foreign threat in the body and erroneously attempts to eliminate it. The mother produces antibodies to destroy the blood cells of the fetus. The fetus can become severely jaundiced and brain damaged as a result. Blood clotting can increase the risk of Rh disease. Doctors can now prevent Rh disease by identifying it before the 28th week of pregnancy. A blood product called Rh immunoglobulin is given to the Rh negative mother at the 28th week of pregnancy and right before the baby is born.

Insufficient Oxygenation - Proper oxygenation is needed for the brain to develop normally. Alcohol or drug abuse by the mother can cause brain damage in a developing fetus by inhibiting oxygen needed for normal brain development. The placenta supplies blood to the fetus. If the placenta tears or clots, blood supply bringing needed oxygen to the fetus can be compromised and result in brain damage as well.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy after Birth

Brain damage occurring after birth results in about fifteen percent of cerebral palsy cases. Occasionally, brain damage occurs from asphyxia, or suffocation, during difficult labor or delivery. More often, brain damage causing cerebral palsy occurs from factors not related to the birthing process.

If not present at birth, cerebral palsy is most likely acquired in the first few years of life. Brain infections like bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis can result in cerebral palsy. Brain damage in children is often caused by head injuries from car accidents , falls or child abuse . Severe, untreated jaundice can cause brain damage. Bile pigments in the blood stream leftover from blood cells destruction build up and damage brain cells.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is difficult to diagnose immediately after birth. Most children don't show symptoms until they fail to achieve developmental milestones. Early signs of cerebral palsy include babies with abnormal muscle tone. If you think your child is abnormally floppy or rigid consult with a doctor. Additionally, if your child seems developmentally delayed, take the child to a heath care professional for testing. Cerebral Palsy is treated best when early diagnosis is made.

How Can a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Help Me?

Cerebral palsy can put incredible strain on a family. Sometimes, however, you shouldn't have to struggle with cerebral palsy on your own. A cerebral palsy lawyer can help you identify legal issues with your medical problems in a free, no-obligation consultation or phone call. If a doctor or hospital is at fault for the harm done to your family, you deserve to be compensated. The assistance of a qualified cerebral palsy lawyer can defend your rights and help your family through this difficult time.

Blog for Causes

Texas Birth Injury Lawyer | What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Description: Texas lawyer explains how birth injuries lead to conditions like Dyskinetic cerebral palsy. Asphyxiation causes brain damage during or soon after delivery.
DFW Cerebral Palsy Lawyer | CP Caused by Unsanitary Hospital
Description: Cerebral Palsy lawyer explains how unsanitary hospitals and dirty equipment can lead to an infant contracting an infection that might result in Cerebral Palsy.
Dallas Texas cerebral palsy lawyer | Asking an attorney to fight for your child
Description: DFW cerebral palsy lawyer recommends that you speak with a lawyer if your child's cp was caused by medical negligence because of the high costs of the condition
Cerebral Palsy | Causes
Description: Cerebral palsy is caused by a specific type of brain injury. This brain injury results when the brain is starved of oxygen, causing damage to the brain.
Children with Cerebral Palsy Accomplish Their Goals
Description: Three inspiring stories about children with Cerebral Palsy who have accomplished their goals and overcome obstacles with hard work.
Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit | Suing for a Baby Injury
Description: Cerebral palsy is an irreversible brain injury that is usually caused at birth, due to the baby being deprived of oxygen for a certain period of time during the birthing process. This disorder lasts a lifetime and causes an indefinite amount of medical expenses. If your child has cerebral palsy, as a result of a doctor's negligence, you should contact a medical malpractice attorney. The Dallas based Rasansky Law Firm handles these kinds of cases and would be happy to evaluate your case free of charge. Contact us at (877) 331-4156 or visit jrlawfirm.com.
How Cerebral Palsy in Infants Happens
Description: Do you know what causes cerebral palsy in infants? Birth injuries are a significant factor, as Jeff Rasansky is well aware.
Birth Injury Lawyer | Getting Cerebral Palsy Help
Description: Cerebral palsy is normally caused by medical mistakes made during the delivery process of a child. These injuries are preventable if physicians follow proper medical protocol. If your child has been injured, due to medical negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for the injuries suffered. The Dallas based Rasansky Law Firm handles these kinds of cases and would be happy to evaluate your case free of charge. Contact us at (877) 331-4156 or visit jrlawfirm.com
Cerebral Palsy Attorney | Does Cerebral Palsy Get Worse with Time?
Description: Cerebral palsy is one of the more common forms of birth injury. This particular injury results from the child’s brain being deprived of oxygen during the birthing process. The Dallas based Rasansky Law Firm handles these kinds of cases and would be happy to evaluate your case free of charge. Contact us at (877) 331-4156 or visit jrlawfirm.com
Cerebral Palsy Attorney | Why is Cerebral Palsy in Infants Hard to Detect
Description: Cerebral Palsy in infants results from the baby not getting enough oxygen. This causes brain damage and that damage leads to the symptoms. Brain damage is irreversible. The Dallas based Rasansky Law Firm handles these kinds of cases and would be happy to evaluate your case free of charge. Contact us at (877) 331-4156 or visit jrlawfirm.com
Birth Injury Lawyer | Coping with Cerebral Palsy
Description: Cerebral palsy comes in two forms: ataxic cerebral palsy and dyskinetic cerebral palsy, which can lead to extensive medical needs. These disorders commonly result from medical negligence. If your child has either one of these disorders that have occurred due to medical malpractice, please contact a birth injury attorney. The Dallas based Rasansky Law Firm handles these kinds of cases and would be happy to evaluate your case free of charge. Contact us at (877) 331-4156 or visit jrlawfirm.com
The Effects of Baby Brain Damage | Cerebral Palsy Information
Description: Baby brain damage can have myriad effects on the infant. One of the more common types of brain injury is Cerebral Palsy. The Dallas based Rasansky Law Firm handles these kinds of cases and would be happy to evaluate your case free of charge. Contact us at (877) 331-4156 or visit jrlawfirm.com
Baby Injury | Getting Cerebral Palsy Help: Medical Expenses
Description: Cerebral palsey can have lifetime effects that can include physical disabilities and medical expenses. Don't let the negligence of a doctor or nurse leave you in distress over your child. The Dallas based Rasansky Law Firm handles these kinds of cases and would be happy to evaluate your case free of charge. Contact us at (877) 331-4156 or visit jrlawfirm.com
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Description: Cerebral palsy can be the result of natural causes or birth trauma. In either case, the baby's brain is starved of oxygen. This results in a specific type of damage to the brain. It is permanent and involves control of the muscles, and can also include some other effects. Cerebral palsy can be difficult to recognize in infants. The symptoms are very physical, and since an infant isn't immediately taxing their muscles, it sometimes takes a while before it's obvious that there's a problem. Cerebral palsy can affect all of the muscles, from the face to the feet.
Chronic Stress Could Contribute to Cerebral Palsy in Unborn Children
Description: Chronic mild stress in pregnant mothers may increase the risk that their offspring will develop cerebral palsy-a group of neurological disorders marked by physical disability-according to new research in mice. The results may be the first to demonstrate such effects of stress on animals in the womb.
Clinical signs and evidence behind the cause of Cerebral Palsy
Description: There are several issues in determining the causes of cerebral palsy. According to a book written by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in conjunction with the American Academy of Pediatrics, combining clinical signs with investigation, hypoxia during labor may be more reliably determined. With 4 million live births each year in the United States, that translates into 8-9,000 new cases of cerebral palsy. (Neurology of the Newborn by Joseph Volpe),
Birth Injury Due To Low Amniotic Fluid
Description: Amniotic fluid is a liquid that surrounds a baby in the uterus during pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in protecting the baby against birth injury in general and infection in particular. The fluid also helps them from getting hurt if there is a blow to the womb and the lungs and digestive system in infants to develop and mature. Naturally, there are consequences if there is too little fluid in the womb. The consequences could be worse with a birth injury.
Common Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Description: The reasons for cerebral palsy are generally prenatal and are seldom related to events at the time of delivery. When the fetus is developing inside the mother's womb, it is more prone to brain damage than at any other time. Some of the reasons that cause baby brain damage are:
Surgical Errors can Lead to Birth Injuries
Description: Any mistake at the time of the baby's birth may seriously injure the new born. Many times, birth injuries are caused due to surgical errors. These may result in a permanent physical or mental retardation in your child. Therefore, do not be satisfied with an apology from the doctor or the hospital. Consult a cerebral palsy attorney for a legal course of action. The attorney can give you valuable legal advice. He or she will also represent you in the court of law.
Is Brain Damage Caused by Maternal Infection?
Description: Children affected with the chronic condition known as cerebral palsy are often thought to have sustained a brain injury during labor or delivery due to lack of oxygen or another complication. Studies have shown though, that maternal infection during pregnancy can also cause brain damage to the child which can then result in CP.